Wondering if Congo is now safe for gorilla trekking? Congo is one of the top destinations to consider for gorilla trekking in the heart of Africa, but it is also the least visited. The state of security in the Democratic Republic of Congo still remains unstable, and before you embark on the actual gorilla safari, it is essential to keep yourself up-to-date with the current situation. Also, you can follow the official travel advice or updates from the Congo embassy, which often provides the latest news about the country’s security conditions.
And in any case you happen to visit Congo for gorilla trekking, ensure that you go on the trek with an armed guide present to lead you. Additionally, book a gorilla tour through a reputable safari company and try as much as you can not to go on a self-drive tour.
Gorilla trekking in the Congo to see mountain gorillas & eastern lowland gorillas
Congo is an exceptional destination from the rest of the places where gorillas are tracked. The Congo gorilla trekking tours offer encounters with both the Eastern Lowland gorillas and Mountain gorillas in their natural environment. Visiting Congo to enjoy a standard gorilla trek allows you to interact with both subspecies of Eastern gorillas, but in different locations.
Mountain gorillas are mainly tracked in the Virunga National Park located in the Virunga region, Eastern Congo. The Virunga holds over a quarter of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, with a diversity of habituated gorilla groups present for you to explore on a guided trek. While in the Virunga National Park, expect to find habituated families such as the Rugendo group, Bageni gorilla family, Mapuwa group, Kabirizi group, Wilungula, Humba, Lulengo gorilla group, and Nyakamwe gorilla families. Gorilla treks in the Virunga National Park always start from the Bukima region with a briefing from an official from Congo.
Virunga National Park is a pristine Congo safari park, gazetted in 1925 and currently covering about 7,800 square kilometers. It is a recognized UNESCO site and holds more than the endangered mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas are just part of over 200 mammals that thrive in the Virunga, and other species include DeBrazza’s monkeys, golden monkeys, African buffaloes, Okapis, Chimpanzees, duikers, Aardvarks, bushbucks, and more.
The Virunga National Park also shelters an estimated bird population of about 700 species of birds. Within the Virunga National Park, there reside birds such as tropical boubou, Rwenzori turacos, grey crowned cranes, forest ground thrush, African fish eagle, Rockefeller’s sunbird, African olive pigeon, Grauer’s swamp warblers, white-headed wood hoopoes, and more.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is another iconic park to consider for gorilla trekking adventures in Congo. Located in Eastern Congo, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is 6000 sq. km and is home to the already habituated Eastern Lowland gorilla groups. While in the Kahuzi-Biega, expect to visit any of the 5 groups with an experienced guide. The habituated Eastern lowland gorilla groups in Kahuzi-Biega include the Bonnani group, Mpungwe family, Chimanuka, Mugaruka, and Nganwa gorilla groups.
Safety of Congo gorilla trekking in the national parks
Currently, the Congo gorilla safari parks aren’t yet safe for tourists to visit for gorilla trekking. But you can visit some of the cities, like Goma, which is relatively safe for visitors. While in Goma city in Congo, you can explore some of the sites in the city, including the National Museum of Congo. Goma city is located in eastern Congo and is the capital as well as the biggest city in the North Kivu Province. This stunning city lies on the northern Lake Kivu shores, bordering the Bukumu Chiefdom to the north.
Lake Kivu is another safe area to explore on a Congo tour. Located along the border between Congo and Rwanda, Lake Kivu is one of the amazing Great Lakes in Africa. This scenic lake lies in the Albertine Rift covering an area of 2,700 square kilometers.
What are some of the safety measures to observe?
Take note of the essential travel tips before you embark on gorilla trekking or any kind of safari. Below are some of the interesting safety measures that you shouldn’t leave out when planning a gorilla trekking safari in Congo.
Go visit a gorilla group with an armed escort.
When you think about gorilla trekking in Congo, first, you should be aware of what your adventure will be like. All standard gorilla treks in Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega or Virunga are conducted with the lead of an experienced guide.
Personal security
Before you set off for the Congo gorilla safari, ensure that you have a professional safari guide. The safari guides should be provided to you for transportation and lodging facilities or properties.
Risk management is key.
Book a Congo safari through a reputable/reliable tour company such as Montero Safaris. At Montero Safaris, we help plan the entire gorilla tour, including securing gorilla permits. Congo gorilla permits are booked at USD 400 per person, and our reservation team can help you purchase your permit in advance before your actual planned trekking date.
The best time to go on a Congo gorilla safari
Gorillas in Congo can be visited at any time of the month or year. However, the dry season is the ideal period for you to experience Eastern lowland or mountain gorilla trekking adventures. The longest peak dry season happens from June to September, while the shorter spell occurs from December to February. These peak dry months offer ideal weather conditions for guests to smoothly trek through the Virunga or Kahuzi-Biega National Parks in search of their favorite gorilla species.
What to carry on Congo gorilla trekking safaris?
Here are the items to consider packing for your Congo gorilla trek; insect repellents, high energy giving snacks, a daypack (waterproof), long-sleeved shirts, waterproof hiking or trekking boots, a first aid kit, a camera, a rain jacket, a sweater, sunglasses, long trousers, a safari hat, a pair of gardening gloves, a valid Congo gorilla permit and visas. A yellow fever card shouldn’t be left out of the Congo gorilla trekking packing list, plus other essentials.